Vancouver police officer denies wrongdoing in alleged $3M fraud and theft case

Kalwinder Dosanjh, a Vancouver Police Department officer charged in connection with alleged fraud and theft exceeding $3 million, is denying wrongdoing while his lawyer questions the independence of the internal covert investigation that led to his arrest.

Dosanjh, a 26-year veteran known for charitable work with the Kids Play foundation, faces four counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of theft over $5,000 and one count of breach of trust. The allegations concern housing developments in which 19 alleged victims reportedly lost millions. Police say the alleged conduct occurred between 2017 and 2025.

In a statement Tuesday, Dosanjh said he looks forward to clearing his name in court. He said he has devoted more than 26 years to serving the community, intends to continue supporting it, and has complete confidence in his lawyer and the justice system. He said he and his family will make no further public comments while the matter proceeds.

Lawyer Joven Narwal said there are legitimate concerns about the independence and objectivity of Vancouver Police investigating one of its own members. He said those concerns are especially important because the department has described the allegations as a matter of public trust, and said Dosanjh unequivocally denies wrongdoing and is presumed innocent.

Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said the department consulted the RCMP before deciding to keep the investigation internal. He said the investigation lasted more than two years and required resources and expertise that, in British Columbia, only the RCMP or a large department such as VPD could provide.

Police say the investigation began in December 2023 after several victims reported alleged criminal activity. A dedicated team conducted a covert investigation until Dosanjh was arrested during what police described as a controlled traffic stop in Surrey. Police also searched the Surrey-based Kids Play organization on Thursday.

Supt. Mike Ritchie said investigators expect other victims may come forward and that further charges are possible. A dedicated phone line has been established for people who may have been affected. Dosanjh has been suspended, stripped of police powers and had his service weapon seized.

Rai has recommended that the Vancouver Police Board suspend Dosanjh without pay for the duration of proceedings. If adopted, Rai said, the suspension would remain in effect through the criminal case and until any disciplinary proceedings under the Police Act are concluded.